The waist circumference of a child can be helpful in predicting if he is suffering from metabolic diseases according to a study. The multi centre cross-sectional study done by the International Diabetes Federation on 10842 children in five cities --Delhi Chennai Kolkata Pune and Raipur suggests that cut off values of waist circumferences can be used as screening for metabolic syndrome (MS) in Indian children. 'MS in children has been defined as the presence of high triglyceride levels in blood Low HDL cholesterol (good cholesterol) increased fasting blood glucose levels high systolic blood pressure and waist circumference > 75th percentile' said Dr Archana